Hubei Provincial Museum: Gateway to Ancient Chu Culture

Ranked among China’s top museums, Hubei Provincial Museum near Wuhan’s East Lake houses global treasures: the Zenghouyi Chime Bells (65-piece 2,400-year-old bronze instruments), Sword of Goujian (untarnished after 2,500 years), and Qin Dynasty Bamboo Slips documenting early Chinese law. Don’t miss live ancient music performances using replica bells. Visitor Tips: Book free tickets online, allow 3+ hours, join 10:30am English tours.

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In-Depth Guide to Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆)

Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆) In-Depth Guide​​

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Overview of the Museum
The Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆), established in 1953, is located in Wuhan’s East Lake Scenic Area. As one of China’s eight national first-class museums and a key national museum co-built by central and local governments, it reopened in 2021 after expansion, covering 110,000 square meters. Designed with the concept of “Prosperous River City” (鼎盛江城), it blends Chu cultural motifs with modern technology. The museum houses 260,000+ artifacts, including 945 national first-class relics, systematically showcasing the civilization of the middle Yangtze River region.

Visiting Information

Address: 160 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan (武汉市武昌区东湖路160号)

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays | 周一闭馆)

Booking: Free entry via official website/WeChat (官网/微信公众号免费预约)

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1. Zenghouyi Chime Bells (曾侯乙编钟)

   • History: Burial artifacts of Marquis Yi of Zeng (433 BCE), unearthed in Suizhou (1978).

   • Marvel: 65 bronze bells, frames, and tools preserved intact, spanning 5 octaves for modern performances.

   • Experience: Daily chime bell music performances (11:00 AM/3:00 PM; 30 RMB).

2. Sword of Goujian (越王勾践剑)

   • Legend: Sword of King Goujian of Yue (Spring and Autumn Period), unearthed in Jiangling (1965). Untarnished after 2,500 years with copper sulfide anti-corrosion technology.

   • Specs: 55.7 cm long, 875g weight, inscribed with bird-worm seal script: “Sword of King Goujian of Yue”.

3. Qin Bamboo Slips from Yunmang Shuihudi (云梦睡虎地秦简)

   • Significance: 1,155 bamboo slips (1975) documenting Qin Dynasty laws, medicine, and divination, challenging stereotypes of Qin legal harshness.

   • Highlights: Fengzhen Shi (earliest criminal investigation records), Rishu (ancient divination practices).

4. Treasures from Prince Liang’s Tomb (梁庄王墓珍宝)

   • Luxury: 5,300+ Ming Dynasty gold, jade, and gemstone artifacts from Prince Zhu Zhanji and Princess Wei’s joint tomb.

   • Star Exhibit: Gold gem-studded crown (84 rubies/sapphires), featuring gems from Zheng He’s voyages.

5. Chu Culture Exhibits (楚文化展区)

   • Lacquerware: Warring States “Tiger Base Bird Drum” (Chu totem).

   • Jade: 16-section dragon-phoenix pendant (most intricate pre-Qin jade carving).

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Visitor Tips

• Guides: Rent a Chinese/English audio guide (20 RMB/3 hours).

• Route: Recommended path: Zenghouyi Hall → Sword of Goujian Hall → Chu Culture Hall → Prince Liang’s Tomb Hall.

• Transport: Metro Line 8 to “Provincial Museum Station” or buses 402/411 to “Hubei Provincial Museum Stop”.

• Nearby: Combine with East Lake Tingtao Scenic Area for a “Museum + Lakeside Cycling” day trip.

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